No. 58

Extra police officers to go on patrol

The number of police officers in the ACT will increase as part of the ACT Government’s boost to justice and community safety in the Territory.
 
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell today announced that 43 extra officers will hit the frontline in the ACT by the end of this year.

“The additional officers will increase police visibility and improve the capacity for a timely response to high priority incidents,” Mr Corbell said.

“The extra officers will be assigned to General Duties patrol teams across Canberra.  These teams are at the frontline of community policing and are the main drivers of the Suburban Policing Strategy.

“ACT Policing has already commenced two intakes, one in February and one in March this year.  

“There are currently 36 people undertaking the recruit course and are expected to graduate next month.

“The extra police officers for the Territory are part of the ACT Government’s additional $34.6 million to fund more resources for the frontline, a total of 107 extra positions between July 2004 and 2008-09.

“This increase will enhance the overall capacity of ACT Policing to respond more effectively to the ACT community in various ways, including increased police visibility, better response times to high priority incidents and improved clearance rates.

“This investment demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to address crime and make Canberra an even safer place to live and work.”